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The Descent of Man

The Descent of Man

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comes into play in the art <strong>of</strong> breeding; and we<br />

can thus understand, as I have elsewhere explained<br />

(74. <strong>The</strong> 'Variation <strong>of</strong> Animals and<br />

Plants under Domestication,' vol. i. p. 214; vol.<br />

ii. p. 240.), the wonderful development <strong>of</strong> the<br />

many races <strong>of</strong> animals and plants, which have<br />

been kept merely for ornament. Fanciers always<br />

wish each character to be somewhat increased;<br />

they do not admire a medium standard;<br />

they certainly do not desire any great and<br />

abrupt change in the character <strong>of</strong> their breeds;<br />

they admire solely what they are accustomed<br />

to, but they ardently desire to see each characteristic<br />

feature a little more developed.<br />

<strong>The</strong> senses <strong>of</strong> man and <strong>of</strong> the lower animals<br />

seem to be so constituted that brilliant colours<br />

and certain forms, as well as harmonious and<br />

rhythmical sounds, give pleasure and are called<br />

beautiful; but why this should be so we know<br />

not. It is certainly not true that there is in the<br />

mind <strong>of</strong> man any universal standard <strong>of</strong> beauty

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